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Posted on 11/16/2009

If you are involved in an organization, you probably receive a regular newsletter giving you the latest information. It reminds you that this organization exists and it my draw you to act. Almost any business can benefit from sending newsletters to stay on the minds of their customers even when they may not be buying.

Newsletters show your customers you want to share insightful information that can help them. You can also provide offers to incite them to contact you.

Here are some tips on creating a newsletter:

CONTENT WORTH READING

Remember to focus on your customers and what’s important to them. Your industry jargon and industry news are only important if it affects them. Your content should relate to what you’re selling but your customers shouldn’t feel like they’re being sold throughout the piece. Give them other useful content and interesting facts that make them want to read so they look forward to your newsletter. Consider including a feature article; focus on a client success story, a how-to piece related to your business, a calendar of local related events and other tidbits to fill.

EASY TO READ

Keep your newsletter short. We all have read later piles and you know what happens to them. Make your newsletter something they can quickly skim for articles of interest and act on the necessary information that you want them to.

CONSISTENCY

In order to produce a successful newsletter, it needs to have a consistent look. If you pick up a New York Times on Monday, the Tuesday edition will have a similar look. This includes the layout, font and color. And speaking of consistency, determine a schedule for delivery and stick to it.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Attention to detail is important for many reasons. Grammar, spelling and punctuation show professionalism. Additionally, a good layout with correct alignment and appropriate photos not only help readability but show you are a respectable company.

If you feel you don’t have time to manage a newsletter, there are cost-effective services out there to help from writing and design to printing and delivery.